Heywood commemorates 100 years of the Royal British Legion

Photo: Councillor Wendy Cocks

Councillor Peter Rush lays a wreath

A wreath was laid at Heywood Cenotaph to commemorate the centenary of the Royal British Legion on Saturday (15 May).

On Saturday morning, Councillor Peter Rush, chair of Heywood Township, laid a wreath before paying tribute to the work of the legion in supporting the armed forces personnel and their families in Heywood, and working with local representatives in the community.

The wreath laying was also attended by Councillor Neil Emmott, the new leader of Rochdale Borough Council, and councillors Susan Emmott and Wendy Cocks. Independent councillors Jacqui Beswick and Alan McCarthy also attended and laid a wreath.

The Royal British Legion was formed in the aftermath of World War One when four organisations came together to fight the injustices faced by those returning home after service – and became the British Legion on 15 May 1921.

Since its inception, The Royal British Legion has supported service men and women, and ex-serving personnel as well as their families.

Wreaths were laid at cenotaphs across the country at 9am on Saturday (15 May), recreating the moment 100 years ago when the British Legion was formed at the Whitehall Cenotaph.